Post navigation

Talk and Walden Tribute March 9

LAWNSIDE, N.J. (Feb. 11, 2017)—The Lawnside Historical Society’s Black History Month program has been rescheduled for March 9 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Borough Hall.

Eunice C. Smith will be a featured speaker. She learned early on the rich historical contributions and struggles of Blacks while growing up in Lawnside. She also learned the importance of researching her family tree — research that led to a cameo appearance in “Free State of Jones,” a Civil War drama inspired by her patrilineal ancestor Newt Knight.

The Society will also honor William A. Walden who passed away Dec. 14. The Lawnside native held many occupations but none endeared him to the community as much as the good-natured Uncle Willie the Clown’s sight gags and corny jokes. He was the parade grand marshal for 2016 Lawnside Day in June. In 2004, Mr. Walden discovered that Jessie Redmon Fauset, the Harlem Renaissance novelist, essayist and poet, was born in Lawnside and the Society to honor her and eventually create Jessie Redmon Fauset Day.

Ms. Smith’s community service activities include handling public relations for professional athletes to work inspiring and encouraging youth. Having seen the effects of domestic violence personally as a child, she works with the Camden County Women’s Center as a volunteer crisis intervention counselor. In 2016, Eunice successfully spearheaded a Domestic Violence Response Team in Lawnside.